Connecticut Contractor Data Collection System

Connecticut Contractor Data Collection System

Since 2007, CJI has been working with the Court Support Services Division (CSSD) of the State of Connecticut's Judicial Branch to implement and expand its Contractor Data Collection System (CDCS). CDCS is designed to enhance the Division’s ability to use empirical evidence to support data-driven decision making toward the improvement of public safety and client outcomes. CDCS is an innovative data system that collects client-level service and treatment data. These data, when combined with the Division’s Probation, Bail and Family Services data and arrest information allows for unique opportunities for ongoing quality improvement at the system, program and client levels, and for rigorous evaluation of CSSD’s internal and contracted programs.

CJI assists CSSD in business analysis, CDCS site design specific to each of CSSD’s community-based programs, report development, documentation, data quality assurance, and rollout, training and technical assistance with providers. The technical assistance to community providers includes not only the use of CDCS, but the interpretation and use the information collected to improve program operations.

CJI is also involved in the implementation of CSSD’s Risk Reduction Initiative through the establishment and tracking of sets of indicators. In October 2009, CJI worked collaboratively with CSSD to implement a system and a process to measure on a real-time basis those processes and outcomes most connected to the principles of risk reduction as identified in the correctional research literature. More simply, Risk Reduction Indicators have been established to answer two primary questions: How well is the Division and its programs doing on those process measures most linked to reduction of recidivism? Are CSSD’s clients better off as a result? CJI works with CSSD management, staff, and contracted providers to identify program-specific indicators, to carefully define the indicators, to design reports, and to review, interpret and use the data to take actions to improve service delivery and outcomes.

At the American Probation and Parole Association's 2011 summer institute, Barbara Pierce Parker, Managing Associate for the Crime and Justice Institute at CRJ, and Maureen DeLude, Program Manager for CSSD, presented on CSSD's Contractor Data Collection System:

Connecting Practice, Data and Research: Connecticut's Contractor Data Collection System

Workshop Description: For nearly a decade Connecticut's Judicial Branch, through its Court Support Services Division, has invested in the implementation of research-based community supervision practices. As part of this implementation, the state has developed an innovative Contractor Data Collection System (CDCS) to gather the data needed to determine how well the Division and its network of private treatment providers are implementing evidence-based practices. And, most importantly, CDCS, when linked with Connecticut's case management system and state arrest records, helps the Division determine whether or not its approaches and programs are positively impacting offender behavior. This workshop will include a demonstration of CDCS and its reporting capabilities, lessons learned from implementation, and a discussion of the research that has been made possible as a result of CDCS.

View the PowerPoint presentation: Connecting Practice, Data and Research (pdf)